Mrs. Simon Offers Apology to Jackson
MILWAUKEE — Jeanne Simon, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Paul Simon, apologized Monday to the Rev. Jesse Jackson for comments she made to a Madison, Wis., newspaper that appeared to compare his oratorical skills to those of Adolf Hitler.
The Wisconsin State Journal quoted her as saying: “Look at what the man is saying. All he can do is talk. Adolf Hitler made some pretty good speeches too. If you like screaming and shouting and carrying on, that’s fine.”
On Monday, Mrs. Simon said: “The Rev. Jesse Jackson is one of the most powerful orators of our time. I admire his skills; I think most Democrats do. Experience is also important in a President and that’s the point I was addressing. I used the most extreme example I could have to make that point, and I should not have. I apologize to Jesse if there was any misunderstanding.”
Simon campaign spokesman David Carle said the statement had been transmitted to the Jackson campaign. He said Gerald Austin, Jackson’s campaign manager, told Simon representatives the apology had been accepted.
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